Hydra Chess Introduced to the World

  The highest rated chess player in Utah and the only grandmaster in the state, Kayden Troff, defeated the inventor of Hydra chess Saturday as hydra chess was introduced to the public. The game's inventor, Eric Lehenbauer, drew about 20 fans and players to the inaugural event at Salt Lake Community College in Sandy. 

    Other than two or three grandmasters who have come and left the state -- at least one of which stayed long enough to attend BYU  -- Troff, has been the dominant player in Utah for the past decade. "I really enjoyed playing," Troff said, noting Lehenbauer emailed him in August, asking for his participation as he began planning Saturday's kickoff event. Lehenbauer said he contacted the state's top players one after another, only to be rejected. But when he called Troff, the easy-going chess champion was amenable. Having the only grandmaster in the state anchoring the debut gave the game immediate credence and attention. Troff defeated Lehenbauer at the beginning of the event, then split with one of his better students, Aurelius Mlynar, in his next two serious games. Troff is not overly active as a player at the moment, instead spending much of his time tutoring upcoming chess players, as he has more than 15 learning from him.

   Hydra is a cruel version of chess, with the element of luck intertwined. Players draw cards to see which five pieces they will start with. The board is only five squares by five squares. Each time a piece is moved off the home row, the player draws another card to see which piece will replace it on that back row. This continues until all 16 pieces have been placed in play. 

   Many at the event came wearing T-shirts advertising the new game. "I'm obsessed with Hyrda Chess," said one. As Lehenbauer continues to get more chess boards and pieces manufactured, he will further roll out the game, hosting even larger events.

. "It's fun, because it's unique," Troff said. "I think I'll play more going forward. I think Eric wants to do more of (such events), so hopefully I'll be part of those."